The Government of Georgia joins hands with the United Nations to enhance the national systems of Disaster Risk Reduction. A group of international and national experts completed a two-week assessment today and presented preliminary findings to the Government of Georgia at a specially convened workshop.

“Georgia is vulnerable to frequent natural disasters which pose significant threat to people as well as different sectors of economy. We recognise the need for sound advice to enhance the Disaster Risk Reduction system in Georgia, and define the roadmap to overcome capacity gaps,” said Khatuna Gogaladze, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia.

The assessment group reviewed Georgia’s legislative and institutional systems, mechanism and tools for managing the risk of natural and man-made disasters,and identified the areas where the country needs further assistance.

This will be followed by extensive consultations with the Government and all relevant stakeholders and by the preparation of the National Plan of Action for Capacity Development in Disaster Risk Reduction by the end of 2014.

The assessment mission was organised by the United Nations Country Team in Georgia at the request of the Government of Georgia. The assessment group included 22 experts from the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) – the UN’s primary mechanism for coordination of humanitarian assistance; the UN’s inter-agency group – Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI); the UN Country Team in Georgia andrepresentatives of the Government and non-governmental organizations.

Speaking at a workshop on 20 March, Niels Scott, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, said: “Disaster Risk Reduction is the key for safeguarding development gains. The decades of development efforts can be washed away in a few hours if we do not invest in preventing natural hazards.”

On 10-20 March, the group of experts met representatives of the state agencies, ministries, National Security and Crises Management Council, academic and research institutions, as well as with civil society organizations, donor agencies and international organizations. They also visitedthe regions of Georgia – Kakheti, Racha, Imereti and Ajara.